Dawkins was nominated by President
Calvin Coolidge on April 25, 1924, to a seat on the
United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana vacated by Judge
George W. Jack. He was confirmed by the
United States Senate on May 5, 1924, and received his commission the same day. He served as Chief Judge from 1948 to 1953. He assumed
senior status on May 17, 1953, and was succeeded by his son, Judge
Benjamin C. Dawkins Jr. His service terminated on August 22, 1966, due to his death. ==References==